A 70-year-old man married a 22-year-old woman after falling in love.

The phrase “age is just a number” is often cited in the context of marriage, especially when a younger person marries someone significantly older, or vice versa. Such unions frequently spark public curiosity, debate, and sometimes criticism. One such case has recently captured attention in Pakistan, where a septuagenarian has wed a woman nearly five decades his junior.

This week, news emerged that 70-year-old Hakim Babar Zia had married a 22-year-old woman in Rawalpindi’s Chaklala area. The announcement quickly went viral, triggering widespread discussion across traditional media outlets and social media platforms.

Content creators and journalists flocked to Babar Zia’s residence to capture the event, taking the opportunity to document the unusual union. Speaking to the media, Babar Zia described the marriage as both arranged within the family and grounded in mutual love. He explained, “We chose each other first, and once my wife approved, we formalised our union through Nikah. It is both a family-approved and love-driven marriage.”

Defending his decision, Babar Zia said, “Age is merely a number. The heart and mind are what truly matter. My wife is a divorcee, and following this union aligns with Allah’s guidance and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Where is the fault in that?”

He also addressed criticism, stating, “I have committed no wrongdoing. Yet, people make negative comments. Ironically, many of our critics are involved in relationships without commitment or in clandestine affairs, but they do not formalise these bonds through marriage.”

The bride echoed her husband’s sentiments, emphasising that genuine love transcends age. She noted, “If you truly love someone, age should not be a barrier. One should not delay marriage when the heart is certain.”

Looking ahead, the couple has shared plans to undertake Umrah pilgrimage following Eid-ul-Fitr, after which they intend to travel to the Netherlands for a holiday.

The public response on social media remains divided. Some express concern over the significant age gap, while others support the union, seeing it as a stand against uncommitted or illicit relationships and a celebration of love in its purest form.

Key Details of the Marriage

The story highlights the ongoing societal debate about age differences in marriage, illustrating that in certain cases, cultural norms, love, and religious values intersect in ways that challenge conventional expectations.